We know what you are thinking, especially if you’ve never heard of these before: What are Outhouse Races? Here’s what the heck you should know.
They sound like nothing you’ve heard about in the communities on the plateau. Most tourists come from all around to experience the luxurious parts of the mountains, the gorgeous views accompanied by some of the finest dining in the area, the country club amenities, and skiing. In short, Sapphire Valley is known for being a place to celebrate the finer things in life. So, we understand why you might be a little weirded out by the idea of Outhouse Races in North Carolina in such a luxurious location!
But the truth is, while Sapphire is known for being prestigious, it’s also a community that prides itself on connection and family, for tourists and locals alike. The Outhouse Races provide an opportunity for everyone to gather around in the spirit of friendly competition and have a good laugh.
The Outhouse Races of Sapphire, NC is the only outhouse race in North Carolina that we know of! So, it is completely unique to our area. The Outhouse Races have been featured on Romantic Asheville and Visit North Carolina, which we count as a pretty big feat.
So what is this race exactly? Let’s start by reassuring you that these outhouses have NO bathroom purposes! The Outhouse Race in North Carolina takes place at the Sapphire Valley Ski Resort and it’s been a staple event at the end of ski season for the last 14 years. Participants in teams of three build “outhouses” around skis and then the makeshift outhouses are raced down the slope. Trust us, it’s a sight to see!
Spectators come from all corners of the Southeast to line down the hill and watch, laugh and cheer on the teams. Two team members are required to push the outhouse down the hill, and one team member sits inside the outhouse on the “throne.” And if you plan on being a spectator rather than a participant, you are in luck because it is completely free to come and watch!
Teams are supposed to name their entry and decorating freedom is completely up to them. You can create your faux outhouse however you choose. Past entries have been made with cardboard, plastic, wood and all sorts of other materials. The requirements are that it sits on skis to glide down, stands at least 5 feet tall, and comes with a proper toilet seat and toilet paper inside. Other than that, entrants have creative freedom and are encouraged to make their outhouse as wacky as possible! The crazier, the better. The most important requirement outside of building your outhouse is that you must register in advance, so if you’d like to participate, get in touch with Ski Sapphire Valley as soon as possible to reserve your spot, and a chance to win!
Before they get toppled and worn during the race, viewers have a chance to come and take a look at the creative and often elaborate outhouses. Participants who craft the outhouses spend a lot of time building them and are very proud to show them off.
So what does the event look like on the day of? The date set for 2020 is February 15. You can expect to spend an entire afternoon at the outhouse race in North Carolina. At 11 a.m., lunch is served. This year, Danny’s BBQ is catering. Come and get a taste of North Carolina barbecue before the festivities. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., visitors can also enjoy live music. At 2 p.m., all participants should start checking in. Then, finally, at 3 p.m. the Outhouse Race will begin.
If you can’t make it to this year’s race, but you want to be in on the hype, don’t worry. The race will be streamed live on www.WNClive.com.
All proceeds made from the event are donated to various charities. This year, Sapphire Valley is supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. So even if this doesn’t sound like an event you want to take part in, you can still come out, take in the sights and support this year’s cause.
Ski Sapphire Valley has been a haven for skiers in the Southeast since it opened its doors in 1964, just 10 years after Sapphire Valley Resort was established. The ski resort was developed after the Howerdd family decided they could develop a ski resort in Sapphire Valley similar to the one in Cataloochee. Of course, back then, developing fake snow was a little trickier. But after a successful first year of testing the slopes and faux snow, a double chair lift was installed and the resort began to serve food and wine to eager skiers.
The cost of skiing Sapphire Valley is going to depend on whether or not you have your amenity card. Amenity cards get you access to discounted rates to rent gear and hit the slopes, but they also grant you access to many other Sapphire Valley amenities. If you bring your own skiing or snowboarding gear, you’re going to get a discounted price as well, but Ski Sapphire Valley has a rental shop where you can pick up anything you might need for your trek.
Landmark Vacation Rentals is home to many brokers who specialize in Sapphire Valley, and who have lived there themselves for years. We know and love the area well, and we have an office in Sapphire. If you are interested in attending the Outhouse Races in North Carolina, or just want to check out Ski Sapphire Valley, get in touch with us today. We can tell you more about the race and the resort itself. Landmark Vacation Rentals has a handful of vacation rentals right in Sapphire Valley where you will be in close proximity to the ski slopes, the outhouse race, or everything you need for a weekend of family fun. Let us show you what the Sapphire Valley lifestyle looks like!
My first experience enjoying the Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and activities was swimming laps in one of the three outdoor pools while enjoying nature’s patchwork of abundant fall colors. That was over seven years ago before I moved to Sapphire Valley full-time. Since then, with my amenity card, I have enjoyed most, if not all, of the privileges being a property owner has to offer.
What is there to do as a visitor to Sapphire Valley? There are plenty of activities for all the members of the group no matter the season or the weather.
In the 1800s, gold and gems (most likely Sapphires!) were being mined in the area and gem mining still exists today as a fun activity for the entire group. Stories abound about the iconic Fairfield Inn which was opened because of the gold rush just before 1900. In the mid-1950s, Gene Howerdd, Sr., purchased the Fairfield Inn and his vision brought us to where we are today.
Camp Merrie-Woode was founded in 1919 as the Lake Fairfield Camp. A few years later, it was renamed Camp Merrie-Woode. The rustic summer camp still flourishes today. Camp Merrie-Woode now adjoins the Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and visitors enjoy perks like the agility hike, when the camp is not in session. It includes a somewhat moderate hike to the top of Bald Rock Mountain or a gentler walk around Lake Fairfield, which is especially popular with dogs in the fall. There also used to be a gold mine located at the base of Bald Rock Mountain.
Narrows Falls is tucked away off U.S. Highway 64 East. You’d never know you were less than a mile away from the highway. Park your vehicle at the end of the gravel track and walk down an easy trail and hear the roar of the water get louder. There’s a knack of getting to see the actual waterfall, but it never disappoints. Check with one of our agents for directions and ask for a local guide while you are here.
The Sapphire Valley Community Center isn’t just for getting your amenity cards. It’s the information hub for all the things to do in and around Sapphire Valley. The Sapphire Valley Community Center also serves as a wedding venue, and it’s a popular place for holding meetings. It serves as a gathering place for weekly bridge tournaments, mahjong, knitting and crocheting groups as well as just a place to sit quietly and read in front of the fire.
The rec center is across from the Community Center. At the rec center, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming. The indoor pool is open year-round. A gym, putt-putt golf and games room are located here, too. You can also book a massage after your hike, if you’d like.
While visiting Sapphire Valley, you must present your amenity card. Talk to any one of the friendly employees if you have questions about the resort while you are here.
Lake Fairfield and Bald Rock Mountain are located on the north side of U.S. Highway 64 and both offer a great deal of fun-filled activities. Lake Fairfield is non-motorized, except for trawling motors. You can rent a variety of non-motorized boats during the summer or enjoy the beach and picnic area. It’s stunningly picturesque all year round, but especially in the fall when the colors of the trees reflect in the still waters of the lake. Bald Rock always looks majestic in the background.
Winter activities at Ski Sapphire! Sapphire Valley Resort offers something all year long. For example, there’s zip-lining in the summer months, and tubing and snow skiing during the winter season. Ever heard of Outhouse Races? Look no further than Sapphire Valley for the sporting event of the year! On February 15, 2020, the annual outhouse race will take place at 3 p.m. Bring your cameras to take pictures of creative outhouse designs as they compete for the finish line. Southeast Tourism Society has named this a top-20 event in the Southeast. So, mark your calendars!
Summer activities. There’s almost no end to all of the things to do near your Sapphire Valley Resort rental especially during the summer months. All season long, there are activities at the community center, including arts and crafts fairs, fine art displays, concerts on the slopes, which is a delightful way to spend the evening in the cool mountain air, a kid’s camp, tennis clinics and round robins. Discover the thriving tennis community here in Sapphire Valley! Although the plateau has an abundance of golf courses, most of them are private. You can play golf at Red Bird Golf which is open to the public. They offer a nine-hole course, a driving range, chipping and putting greens. There is also a pro-shop. For more information about joining the Sapphire Valley Country Club and the various membership options, please contact one of Landmark Vacation Rental’s agents. We work closely with their management team and have current information on fees and membership options. And, don’t forget July 4 celebrations. If you’re thinking about visiting for the summer, the area offers multiple fireworks displays over several days. We have weekly breakfasts and barbeque lunches, too.
For the kids, there is a playground within the boundary of the walking track. The dogs enjoy taking a stroll here, too.
If you’d like to experience what it’s like to enjoy the privileges of Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and activities, book a vacation rental with us! We offer vacation rentals within the footprint of Sapphire Valley and communities range from the high elevation of Falcon Ridge bordering Transylvania County to homes in many other communities just off U.S. Highway 64. They provide easy access to Highlands and Cashiers and all the amenities in Sapphire Valley.
Some rentals are just a stone’s throw away from restaurants and the hub of activities at the Sapphire Valley Community Center, playground and recreation center, the Country Club of Sapphire Valley and Ski Sapphire. Landmark Vacation Rentals offers assistance with all your real estate and rental needs, including buying and selling real estate across the plateau as well as seasonal and long-term rentals in Sapphire Valley. Call us today to talk to local, knowledgeable brokers and staff about the process of getting your amenity cards. Once you’ve settled into your rental just go along to the Sapphire Valley Community Center where you can pick up your amenity cards for the duration of your stay for a minimal fee per day. Kids ages 14 and under receive their amenity cards for free!
If you’d like some more information on Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and activities before you book, call us for local knowledge and insight or you can go online and reserve your ideal rental. We look forward to welcoming you to your own Blue Ridge Mountains resort. What are you waiting for?
